The latest US-led strike in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have ignited apprehension regarding America's ambitions on Greenland. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island following the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Provocative Posts and Diplomatic Outrage
Merely hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a prominent conservative commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, posted a suggestive image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic caption: "COMING."
This blatant threat to annex the mineral-rich region, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and strong condemnation from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should keep cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and our security," stated the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the US work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally pointed out that the kingdom had substantially increased its military budget recently, allocating a large sum specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Political Moves and Strategic Goals
The situation were additionally exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Ever since returning to office, the US president has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The island is considered critically important for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Force
In a significant media interview, the leader declined to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid growing great-power competition in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a unified and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents desire independence from Denmark, there is also little to no desire to join the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Expert View: A Credible Scenario?
Some experts are now reconsidering the possibility of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence conceded she had once dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a couple thousand troops on Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she observed.
